Events

Broncos Place Franchise Tag On Prater

Place kicker Matt Prater of the Denver Broncos hits a 59-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter to tie the game against the Chicago Bears on Dec. 11, 2011, in Denver. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) — The Denver Broncos have placed the franchise tag on Matt Prater, giving them the right to match any offer other teams might present to the kicker with one of the most powerful legs in NFL history.

Prater came up clutch for the Broncos down the stretch last season with four game-winning field goals. He had three straight weeks in which he kicked the winner on the game’s final play, helping Tim Tebow and the Broncos go on a six-game winning streak that propelled them into the playoffs for the first time in six seasons.

“Placing the franchise tag on Matt Prater ensures that he will be a Bronco in 2012,” Executive Vice President of Football Operations John Elway said in a statement. “He is a very talented kicker and an important part of our team. This gives us the ability to continue working on a long-term agreement with Matt.”

Prater has the highest percentage in league history from 50 or more yards, having connected on 12 of 16 kicks for a 75 percent clip.